Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Markets in Everything: Online Medicine "Zipnosis"

"Nancy Kjellberg's allergies were insufferable again, with sharp sinus pain and her nose so stuffed up it was hard to breathe. She didn't want to go to the doctor. This time, she didn't have to.

Kjellberg, 59, simply charged $25 to her credit card and spent a few minutes answering an online survey at Zipnosis.com. Hours later, she received a diagnosis electronically and picked up antibiotics at her pharmacy, without ever talking to the clinician in person or on the phone.

Minneapolis-based Zipnosis thinks it is onto the latest innovation in convenient health care for minor ailments like common colds, allergies or bladder infections. Led by Rick Krieger, who co-founded a company that became MinuteClinic, Zipnosis started a one-year pilot this month with local provider Park Nicollet Health Services. Already, more than 300 people statewide have used the service. Consumers fill out Zipnosis' survey online, and two nurse practitioners on duty at Park Nicollet's Quick Check center review the answers and send back a diagnosis."

That's the risk/reward. If you use this service your desire for lower costs comes with risk YOU choose to take. Consumers shouldn't be limited in their choices. Competition is good. Deflation of price is great.

YES:ANON2:17 PMBut a better alternative is for MD'sIs to test these people for their allergy, and once confirmed, put them on a permanent drugstore list so that they can get the medication any time they need it direct from the druggist who can make a better assessment of the persons condition than the internet doctor because he can see the persons condition. The person saves $25 a time and so would Embalmercare because the druggist wouldn't charge anything for dispensing the necessary medication.This is micro economic reform, thinking outside the square for a better cheaper end result.